Awani to Critics: Pipeline Surveillance Contracts, awarded to operators, after careful evaluation

The Director -General of Niger Delta Advocates, Barr. Esimaje Awani, says the Pipeline Security contracts were awarded to operators, after due process and careful evaluation of capacity, local knowledge and proven track records.

Our Principal Correspondent, reports that Barr. Awani, made the declaration in Warri, Delta State, Sunday March 1, during a media briefing, he held to address speculations by persons he described as ignorant fellows and illegal bunkerers.

Below is extract of the press statement from the presser held by Barr. Awani:

“I address you today as a critical stakeholder, an advocate, and a consistent voice for the people of the Niger Delta.

“This engagement has become necessary in view of the increasing cases of harassment, undue interference, and persistent prying into the pipeline security jobs and contracts that have been duly awarded to competent and credible operators.

"Let me state clearly and unequivocally: the pipeline security contracts currently in operation were awarded following due process and careful evaluation of capacity, local knowledge, and proven track records.

“These operators have demonstrated competence, professionalism, and commitment to the national interest. Continuous harassment and attempts to undermine them do not serve the interests of the region, the host communities, or the Nigerian state.

“We are aware that certain vested interests who profited from the era of instability are uncomfortable with the current peace. We are witnessing a campaign of prying, probing, and harassment against companies that are simply doing their job. These are not just attacks on contractors; they are attacks on the peace and stability of the Niger Delta.

"We ask these detractors: Why do you seek to undermine the one model that has finally produced the desired results? The noise we are hearing is not from the host communities—because they are satisfied—but from those who can no longer exploit the system. The relentless harassment, the undue prying into operational details, and the political manoeuvring to discredit this contract are dangers to our hard-earned relative peace.

"Most recently, the National Assembly, through the Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe-led Committee, instituted an investigative hearing to determine:

• How was the contract awarded?

• Is it truly stopping crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism?

• Has it increased production and protected national revenue?

• Is Nigeria getting value for the sum the contract is worth?

"These questions are easy to answer and are matters of public record if the House pays closer attention to details and the evidence of due diligence from the national institutions placed at the helm of these affairs. The hearing reeks of political manipulation and is disruptive to the progress and gains we have enjoyed over the past three years.

"Over the past three years, the impact of effective pipeline security management has been both measurable and meaningful. Incidents of oil theft, illegal bunkering, and sabotage have dropped markedly. Statistics show that in 2021, Nigeria was losing about 102,000 barrels per day (bpd) to theft and pipeline vandalism. From January to July 2025, losses dropped to 9,600 bpd—over a 90% decline.

"Three years ago, only 30% of the oil sent through some pipelines reached export terminals because of theft and sabotage. Today, pipeline receipts are reported to be close to 100%, meaning nearly all produced oil is safely delivered and accounted for.

"There has been improved crude oil production due to safer pipelines. Nigeria has recorded more stable production levels, and regulators project that Nigeria’s oil production could surpass 2.5 million barrels per day. This is nothing short of remarkable, considering that only a few years back, our production rate was about 700,000 barrels per day. Today’s production levels of over 2 million barrels per day have not been seen since the early 2000s. Thus, this translates to improved national revenue and foreign exchange inflows.

"The contract sum appears to be a bone of contention; it is alleged to cost about 2 trillion Naira. At the current market rate of $70 per barrel and Nigeria’s production rate of 2 million barrels per day, our country earns over $140,000,000 per day. The yearly calculation is $140,000,000 multiplied by 365 days, which amounts to $51,100,000,000 (Fifty-One Billion, One Hundred Million Dollars). When converted to Naira at today’s rate of roughly ?1,450 to a dollar, the total comes to ?74,095,000,000,000 (Seventy-Four Trillion, Ninety-Five Billion Naira). If Nigeria uses 2 trillion Naira, as alleged, to safeguard 74 trillion Naira in revenue, I do not see where the problem lies. This answers the question: “Is Nigeria getting value for the sum the contract is worth?” Nigeria’s brilliant model of pipeline security is working and is worth every penny spent.

"The engagement of pipeline security operators demonstrates the administration’s commitment not only to economic growth but also to sustainable economic development, as seen in the operators’ engagement with communities and the security forces attached to this operation.

"The operators have not only functioned within operational guidelines but have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life for host communities through which these pipelines traverse. Massive employment of over 50,000 persons has been recorded in a bid to engage communities in securing the pipelines.

"Host communities enjoy scholarships and grants aimed at building capacity at the grassroots level, as seen in scholarships awarded to over 600 youths in 215 communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP). Business grants have also been given to 2,000 women in host communities engaged in small-scale businesses to help boost the micro-economy. In addition, ICT programs have been initiated for 100 youths, who were trained and provided with free computers to enable them to start digital commerce ventures.

"The operators have further enhanced the security apparatus by building and renovating police stations, as seen at the Ugborikoko Division Headquarters. They have also constructed 13 new offices within the 3rd Battalion Headquarters of the Nigerian Army base in Warri, as well as 22 offices within Sector 1 facilities of Operation Delta Safe.

"They have also helped build town halls and community halls in some host communities, thereby enhancing the administrative functions of community leadership.

"We therefore call on all parties—especially those engaging in harassment and undue scrutiny—to exercise restraint and respect constituted authority. Constructive oversight is welcome; intimidation and disruption are not. Undermining a system that is working risks reversing hard-won gains and plunging the region back into instability.

"In conclusion, protecting critical national assets is a collective responsibility. When competent operators are allowed to do their job without distraction, the benefits accrue not just to the Niger Delta, but to Nigeria as a whole. Let us consolidate progress, promote peace, and safeguard the socio-economic future of our people".

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